Associate Director, Bridge Inspection

PRIME AE Group, Inc.; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth opportunities

Flexible work environment

Supportive team culture

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking an Associate Director – Bridge Inspection to oversee operations and grow their Bridge Inspection practice in Pennsylvania. This role involves managing inspection teams, ensuring compliance with standards, and driving business development. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering, a PE license in Pennsylvania, and extensive bridge inspection experience. The firm promotes a flexible work environment and values professional development and community impact.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive bridge inspection experience.
• At least 3 years in a project management capacity.
• Strong working knowledge of NBIS, PennDOT standards, and FRA requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage bridge inspection operations across Pennsylvania.
• Oversee multiple inspection teams and project managers.
• Identify and pursue new contracts and agreements.

Skills

Leadership

Technical oversight

Business development

Client relationship management

Financial management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Pennsylvania

Job description

Help Us Change the World—One Project at a Time

At PRIME AE, we believe every bridge, building, classroom, park, and roadway we design tells a story—and leaves a legacy. Whether it’s through architecture, engineering, planning, or consulting, our work is deeply rooted in improving the everyday experiences of people and communities. Join us and be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team that values innovation, technical excellence, and meaningful contribution.

Who We Are:

PRIME AE Group, Inc. (www.primeeng.com) is a nationally ranked, full-service architecture and engineering firm with 22 offices across 9 states and a team of 500+ professionals. For nearly two decades, we’ve partnered with public and private-sector clients to deliver creative, practical, and sustainable solutions across transportation, education, healthcare, municipal, federal, commercial, and recreational sectors. We’re expanding our capabilities, our geography, and our team—and now is an exciting time to join us.

The Opportunity:

We are currently seeking an Associate Director – Bridge Inspection to lead and expand our Bridge Inspection practice across Pennsylvania. This role is responsible for overseeing inspection operations, managing and developing technical staff, serving as a senior technical authority, and driving business development to grow PRIME AE’s bridge inspection portfolio throughout the Commonwealth. This is a leadership position, not just a senior inspector. You will shape strategy, strengthen client relationships, ensure quality and compliance, and build a high-performing team while positioning PRIME for continued growth in the Pennsylvania transportation market.

What You’ll Do:

As Associate Director, you will provide operational leadership, technical oversight, and business development direction for bridge inspection services in Pennsylvania. You will oversee project delivery, mentor inspection staff, ensure compliance with NBIS and agency standards, and expand PRIME AE’s presence with PennDOT, rail, municipal, and federal clients. You will balance strategic growth with operational excellence, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and profitably while identifying and securing new opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Practice Leadership & Operations

• Lead and manage bridge inspection operations across Pennsylvania.
• Oversee multiple inspection teams and project managers to ensure quality, safety, compliance, and financial performance.
• Establish and maintain inspection procedures aligned with NBIS, FRA, PennDOT, and agency-specific requirements.
• Provide senior-level technical review of inspection findings, reports, and critical defect evaluations.
• Monitor utilization, staffing levels, workload forecasting, and operational efficiency.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and long-term development of bridge inspection staff.

People Leadership

• Mentor and develop Team Leaders, inspectors, and engineers.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support professional growth and certification advancement.
• Serve as escalation point for complex field or technical challenges.

Business Development & Client Management

• Lead client relationship management efforts across Pennsylvania.
• Identify and pursue new bridge inspection contracts and on-call agreements.
• Support proposal development, scope writing, and fee development.
• Represent PRIME AE at industry events, client meetings, and pre-proposal conferences.
• Collaborate with transportation leadership to expand market presence and revenue.

Financial & Strategic Oversight

• Manage project budgets, profitability, and revenue forecasting.
• Contribute to annual business planning and growth strategy.
• Track key performance indicators for the bridge inspection group.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements and risk management.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (ABET accredited).
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Pennsylvania.
• 8+ years of progressive bridge inspection experience, including a minimum of 3 years in a project management capacity.
• FHWA/NHI “Safety Inspection of In‑Service Bridges” certification and refresher.
• Strong working knowledge of NBIS, PennDOT standards, and FRA requirements.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams and multi-project workloads.
• Proven ability to build client relationships and support business development efforts.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and contract performance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support project oversight and client engagement.

Why PRIME AE

We don’t just fill positions; we invest in people. At PRIME AE, you’ll find a supportive, flexible environment where careers are built intentionally, not accidentally. You’ll work on projects that improve everyday life, alongside colleagues who challenge and respect one another.

What sets us apart

• Career Growth: Flexible career paths across disciplines, from technical expertise to project and people leadership
• People-First Culture: We value trust, integrity, and collaboration, and we mean it
• Meaningful Work: Projects that strengthen communities, infrastructure, and public spaces
• Growth with Purpose: Strategic expansion backed by strong leadership and investment
• National Reach, Local Feel: Big‑firm resources with the agility and relationships of local offices

Our Commitment

PRIME AE Group is committed to creating an inclusive environment where differences are respected, voices are heard, and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.